As women transition into perimenopause and menopause, they may begin experiencing various symptoms that lead them to seek medical care. However, a cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Kathryn Lindley, views this natural phase in a woman’s life as an opportunity to gain insights into future cardiovascular health.
Lindley emphasizes that this is also the time when cardiovascular risk factors start to rise significantly. Factors such as blood pressure, weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels tend to increase, leading to a higher risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. Women may not experience heart attacks in the same way men do, so it is crucial for them to be aware of the differences in symptoms. Understanding women’s heart attack symptoms can help in identifying and responding promptly to a potential cardiac event.
Moreover, stroke poses an even greater risk for women compared to heart attacks. Therefore, it is essential for women to be familiar with the signs of stroke and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of them. By doing so, they can reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and improve their overall health during menopause.
